When a beginner enters the fun and challenging world of coin collecting, he or she is suddenly surrounded by new terms like “Numismatist,” “Red Book” and “Slabbed.” In order to get the most out of this hobby, it’s important that the novice collector become familiar with numismatic lingo as soon as possible. Here’s a list of coin collecting terms that every collector should know before attempting to buy, sell or appraise a coin:
About Uncirculated – A coin grade indicating that it has high points worn but still retains some original luster. Also known as AU.
Album Friction – Horizontal marks on a coin caused by the plastic “slides” of a coin album touching the high points of the coin when removed and replaced repeatedly. Also known as slide scratches.
Bag Marks – Minor marks on an otherwise Uncirculated coin often caused by storage and shipping in cloth bags. A common occurrence for old coins.
Branch Mint – A United States mint other than the Philadelphia mint. Coins struck at a branch mint are sometimes listed with a C-number (e.g., Cohen variety), which refers to a specific die variation.
Coins with very little or no signs of wear are grouped into the Uncirculated or mint state categories, which are more valuable than those with significant wear. Coins in these categories often have a premium payout from prospective buyers, so it’s important for the novice collector to understand this grading process.
1938 - to Present - Whitman Jefferson Nickel 3 Book Set with 2004 and 2005 P, D Nickels 8 Coin Set Nickel Seller Uncirculated
$29.99 (as of September 17, 2024 14:28 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Changing Times Coin & Currency Set
$24.95 (as of September 17, 2024 14:28 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Motanar 100 Pieces 1 Inch Chinese Fortune Coins Feng Shui I-Ching Coins Chinese Good Luck Coins Ancient Chinese Dynasty Time Coin
$6.99 (as of September 17, 2024 14:28 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Lincoln Wheat Cent 1909 S VDB Design 1 oz Pure .999 Copper Round Collectible Jumbo 39mm Coin in Capsule - COA by Heavenly Metals
$7.99 (as of September 17, 2024 14:28 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
TEN One Gram .999 pure Silver Bars with random designs in a jewelry pouch (Original Version)
$27.95 (as of September 17, 2024 14:28 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
1795, 1796, 1797, 1798 Year Dollar Coin Liberty American Liberty Coin United States of America Coin Souvenir Replica for Collection Party Gifts
$9.99 (as of September 17, 2024 14:28 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
2024 American Silver Eagle .999 Fine Silver in Direct Fit Air Tite with our Certificate of Authenticity Dollar Uncirculated US Mint
$47.49 (as of September 17, 2024 14:28 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
2020 Silver Donald Trump Private Mintage, 45th Presidential, Limited Edition Mint. 1 Troy Oz .999 Fine Silver Round
$48.95 (as of September 17, 2024 14:28 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
The Task Ahead Challenge Coin Collector's Medallion
$12.99 (as of September 17, 2024 14:28 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)